October 22, 2012 Table Of Contents
SI.com
LEADING OFF
Epic series, unlikely heroes, unprotectable leads, shredded cuticles and history—lots of history: Welcome to the 2012 postseason
By Tom Verducci
THE MAIL
ALABAMA
By Andy Staples
The points won't come easily, but the Gators' bruising identity is well suited to a Tide showdown
By Andy Staples
Like the Gators, the Irish play the punishing defense necessary to stay with the defending champs—if they survive a punishing second-half schedule
By Andy Staples
The Ducks, contrary to their reputation, have an underrated defense, and they have the playmakers who can get to the edge
The Tide is the favorite to win it all; there can be no doubt about that. But what of the rest of the BCS labyrinth? Circumstances—remaining schedule, poll position—will dictate the road to Miami. So, too, will the quality of the contender. Who has the best mix of the two?
By Andy Staples
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
By Thayer Evans
LANCE ARMSTRONG
A Massive Fraud Now More Fully Exposed
FOR YEARS, AS HE BECAME THE MOST DOMINANT CYCLIST IN HISTORY, LANCE ARMSTRONG VEHEMENTLY DENIED DOPING. HERE ARE SOME OF HIS MOST STRIDENT ASSERTIONS, ANNOTATED WITH THE NOW UNDENIABLE EVIDENCE THAT ARMSTRONG TOOK PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS, PRESSURED HIS TEAMMATES TO DO SO AND BULLIED ANYONE WHO OPPOSED HIM
PRO FOOTBALL
The Vikings' Punter Is A Troll Rogue Named Loate
CHRIS KLUWE HAS SEEN IT ALL IN MINNESOTA—THE LOVE BOAT SCANDAL, THE STARCAPS SAGA AND A 2012 SURGE—BUT THE NFL'S NERDIEST PLAYER REALLY GETS HIS KICKS BY BATTLING ORCS AND OGRES
BOOKS
Football's Greatest, From One to 10
By Steve Rushin
WILLIAMSPORT HIGH
POINT AFTER
By Phil Taylor
Departments
As college hoops practices get under way, we offer a primer for the 2012--13 season
By Luke Winn
A powerful new documentary follows the moves of an inner-city school's championship chess team
By David Sabino
Edited by Alexandra Fenwick
Earnhardt Parks It After a Crash
By Dan Patrick